Lawyers from Kano have raised their voices against a sweeping prohibition of Sallah Durbar celebrations across four local emirates. The National Forum of Kano Indigene Lawyers blasted the ban as a fundamental breach of cultural and human rights protected under national and international legal frameworks.
Barrister Usman Imam Tudun Wazirchi led the charge after submitting a strongly worded open letter to the Kano State Police Commissioner. Despite acknowledging the police's efforts in maintaining peace during the Sallah period, the legal professionals hammered home their criticism of the Durbar celebration ban. They characterized the prohibition as a direct assault on cultural identity and historical expression.
The group pushed back against potential police attempts to implicate the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, regarding an incident involving palace guard violence. Although the Inspector General of Police's invitation to Sanusi had been withdrawn, the lawyers made it clear they would fiercely resist any moves perceived as disrespecting Hausa/Fulani traditional leadership.
Challenging the security-driven rationale behind the ban, the lawyers argued that Durbar celebrations carry deep cultural significance. These traditional horse-riding processions and royal displays represent more than mere spectacle; they embody fundamental rights of religious and cultural expression recognized internationally. The African Charter and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights explicitly protect such cultural practices.
Hinting at potential political motivations, the legal professionals suggested the ban might be a calculated attempt to marginalize Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. They pointedly noted that similar celebrations continued uninterrupted in regions considered more volatile. The underlying message was clear: security concerns seemed like a convenient smokescreen for selective suppression.
The group's broader appeal called for comprehensive respect of cultural rights across Nigeria. They emphasized that singling out Kano undermines national unity and erodes the rich tapestry of historical pride that binds diverse Nigerian communities. Their stance represents a passionate defense of cultural heritage against bureaucratic overreach.
Barrister Usman Imam Tudun Wazirchi led the charge after submitting a strongly worded open letter to the Kano State Police Commissioner. Despite acknowledging the police's efforts in maintaining peace during the Sallah period, the legal professionals hammered home their criticism of the Durbar celebration ban. They characterized the prohibition as a direct assault on cultural identity and historical expression.
The group pushed back against potential police attempts to implicate the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, regarding an incident involving palace guard violence. Although the Inspector General of Police's invitation to Sanusi had been withdrawn, the lawyers made it clear they would fiercely resist any moves perceived as disrespecting Hausa/Fulani traditional leadership.
Challenging the security-driven rationale behind the ban, the lawyers argued that Durbar celebrations carry deep cultural significance. These traditional horse-riding processions and royal displays represent more than mere spectacle; they embody fundamental rights of religious and cultural expression recognized internationally. The African Charter and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights explicitly protect such cultural practices.
Hinting at potential political motivations, the legal professionals suggested the ban might be a calculated attempt to marginalize Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. They pointedly noted that similar celebrations continued uninterrupted in regions considered more volatile. The underlying message was clear: security concerns seemed like a convenient smokescreen for selective suppression.
The group's broader appeal called for comprehensive respect of cultural rights across Nigeria. They emphasized that singling out Kano undermines national unity and erodes the rich tapestry of historical pride that binds diverse Nigerian communities. Their stance represents a passionate defense of cultural heritage against bureaucratic overreach.
